Gardening Enthusiast Seeking Outdoor Speaker for Upcoming Garden Bash Tested Bose's Strongest Portable Sound System, Receives Nearly Perfect Review from Audio Specialist
The Bose SoundLink Max, a premium portable Bluetooth speaker, has made a significant entry in the market with its impressive features and performance. Here's a closer look at what this speaker offers.
Design and Durability
The Bose SoundLink Max boasts a sleek design with easy-to-use controls located at the top of the speaker. Weighing in at 2.13kg, it's a bit heavier than some of its competitors, but its durable construction and replaceable built-in rope handle make it a robust choice for outdoor use. The speaker comes in three colours: Black, Blue Dusk, and Citrus Yellow, allowing you to choose one that suits your style.
Sound Quality and Battery Life
With a battery life of approximately 20 hours, the Bose SoundLink Max provides sufficient power for full-day use and more. It delivers an exciting, punchy sound performance across various music genres, known for its clarity and composure, even in busy tracks. However, it's worth noting that the JBL Charge 6 offers a longer battery life of around 28 hours, while the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2 have shorter battery lives of 12 and 24 hours, respectively.
Connectivity and Charging
The Bose SoundLink Max offers Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and comes with connections including USB-C and a 3.5mm jack. It can be easily connected to the same Bose app as the company's soundbars and headphones. The speaker is charged via the USB-C port on the rear of the speaker and takes around five hours to charge from flat to full. Additionally, the Bose SoundLink Max can charge your phone through its USB-C port.
Additional Features
The Bose SoundLink Max also offers 15 quirky name suggestions for the Bluetooth speaker in the app. The handle of the speaker is interchangeable and can be swapped for a longer version. Unfortunately, it lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, without features like Apple's AirPlay and voice control from assistants like Alexa.
Value for Money
Priced at £399.95, the Bose SoundLink Max is the most expensive portable speaker discussed in this article. While it may be considered premium and somewhat pricey, its excellent sound and build quality justify the price for those prioritizing audio and durability.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to the JBL Charge 6, Sonos Roam 2, and Sonos Move 2, the Bose SoundLink Max excels in sound quality for its size and rugged design, but it is more expensive and lacks smart features available in the Sonos models. The JBL Charge 6 offers better battery life and sound for outdoor/battery-focused users, while the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2 provide smart functionality with varying trade-offs in size, sound power, and battery duration.
In summary, the Bose SoundLink Max is a powerful and portable audio solution, offering excellent sound quality, a rugged design, and a solid 20-hour battery life. However, its premium price tag and lack of smart features may deter some buyers. For those prioritizing battery life and sound, the JBL Charge 6 could be a more suitable choice, while the Sonos Roam 2 and Move 2 cater to those seeking smart functionality.
This premium portable Bluetooth speaker, the Bose SoundLink Max, integrates well with a lifestyle that values durability and exceptional sound quality, making it an ideal addition to your fashion-and-beauty or home-and-garden setup. With its sleek design and replaceable built-in rope handle, it serves as a fashionable gadget in your home decor. Additionally, its performance in music genres, battery life, and connectivity options make it a top choice for technology enthusiasts.
